49th FIGHTER WING LINEAGE STATIONS ASSIGNMENTS

Transcription

1 49 th FIGHTER WING LINEAGE 49 th Fighter Wing established, 10 Aug 1948 Activated, 18 Aug 1948 Redesignated 49 th Fighter Bomber Wing, 1 Feb 1950 Redesignated 49 th Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 Jul 1958 Redesignated 49 th Fighter Wing, 1 Oct 1991 Redesignated 49 Wing on 25 Jun 2010 STATIONS Misawa AB, Japan, 18 Aug 1948 Taegu AB, South Korea, 1 Dec 1950 Tsuki AB, Japan, 26 Jan 1951 Taegu AB, South Korea, 24 Feb 1951 Kunsan AB, South Korea, 1 Apr 1953 Misawa AB, Japan, 7 Nov Dec 1957 Etain/Rouvres (later, Etain) AB, France, 10 Dec 1957 (operated from Chalons-Vatry AB, France, 1 Sep-30 Nov 1958) Spangdahlem AB, Germany, 25 Aug Jun 1968 Holloman AFB, NM, 1 Jul 1968 ASSIGNMENTS 314 th Air Division, 18 Aug 1948 Fifth Air Force, 1 Mar 1950 Japan Air Defense Force, 1 Apr 1953 Fifth Air Force, 1 Sep th Air Division (Defense) (later, 39 Air Division), 1 Mar 1955 Fifth Air Force, 15 Apr- 10 Dec 1957 United States Air Forces in Europe, 10 Dec 1957 Seventeenth Air Force, 15 Nov nd Air Division, 1 Jul th Air Division, 1 Feb 1970 Twelfth Air Force, 30 Jun 1971

2 Tactical Training, Holloman, 1 Aug rd Air Division, 1 Dec 1980 Twelfth Air Force, 15 Nov 1991 ATTACHMENTS 58 th Fighter-Bomber Wing, Mar 195 Fifth Air Force, 1 Apr-7 Nov th Air Division [Defense], 7 Nov Mar 1955 Seventeenth Air Force, 15 Jan-4 Apr 1969 Seventeenth Air Force, 14 Sep-7 Oct 1970 Thirteenth Air Force, 5 May-2 Oct 1972 WEAPON SYSTEMS P (later, F)-51, F-80, F-84, , 1953, 1957 F-86, 1951, F-100, F-105, F-4, , , T-38, , 1993 F-15, AT-38, F-117, 1992 HH-60, F-61, F-82, 1950 RF-80, F/RF-51, RB-26, F-22, 2008 F-117, HH-60, F-22, MQ-1, 2009 MQ-9, 2009 COMMANDERS Col Brooks A. Lawhon, 18 Aug 1948 Col Jack S. Jenkins, 22 Apr 1950 Col Aaron W. Tyer, 1 Dec 1950 Col Kenneth W. Northamer, 20 Apr 1951 Col Aaron W. Tyer, 27 May 1951 Col Joe L. Mason, 1 Sep 1951 Col David T. McKnight, 1 Feb 1952 Col Robert J. Rogers, c. 19 Aug Mar 1953

3 none (not manned), Mar 1953 Col William W. Ingenhutt, 1 Apr 1953 Col Edwin A. Doss, 24 Apr 1953 Col George W. Pardy, 18 Nov 1953 Col John P. Randolph, 24 May 1954 Col Thomas C. Conroy, by 31 May 1956 Col Elbert Helton, 14 Aug 1956 Col Joseph A. Barrett Jr., 21 Oct 1957 Cpt Paul E. Moore, 1 Nov 1957 Col Joseph L. Dickman, 10 Dec 1957 Col Wilbur J. Grumbles, 7 Jul 1958 Col Thomas D. DeJarnette, 15 Jun 1962 Col William P. McBride, 26 Feb 1963 Col William S. Chairsell, 17 Aug 1964 Col John C. Giraudo, 21 Jun 1966 Col Alphonse J. Coleman, 19 May 1967 Col Francis E. Binnell, 20 Mar 1968 Col Ramon R. Melton, 15 Jul 1968; Col Joseph C. Secino, 8 Mar 1969 Col Harry H. Moreland, 22 Aug 1969 BG Jack Bellamy, 24 Apr 1970 Col Wayne E. Whitlatch, 24 May 1972 Col George G. Hupp, 8 May 1973 Col William L. Kirk, 3 Jun 1974 Col Eleas Casillas, 5 Jan 1976 Col Richard L. Meyer, 11 Nov 1977 Col Harold D. Dortch Jr., 12 Feb 1980 Col Jerry H. Nabors, 20 Jan 1981 Col James E. Chambers, 15 Oct 1982 Col Jerry Cox, 2 Mar 1984 Col Joseph E. Merrick, 3 Oct 1985 Col Richard C. Bethurem, 25 Sep 1987 Col Frank B. Campbell, 5 Jan 1990 BG Lloyd W. Newton, 15 Nov 1991 BG John F. Miller Jr., 8 Jul 1993 BG Bruce Carlson, 10 Feb 1995 BG Dennis R. Larsen, 23 Aug 1996 BG William J. Lake, 15 Jun 1998 BG Marc E. Rogers, 30 Jun 2000 BG James P. Hunt, 19 Jul 2002 Brig Gen Kurt A. Chichowski, 13 May 2004 Brig Gen David L. Goldfein, 25 Jun 2006 Col Jeffrey Harrigian, 11 Jan 2008 Col David A. Krumm, 25 Jun 2010 HONORS

4 Service Streamers None Campaign Streamers Korea CCF Intervention First UN Counteroffensive CCF Spring Offensive UN Summer-Fall Offensive Second Korean Winter Korea Summer-Fall, 1952 Third Korean Winter Korea Summer, 1953 Vietnam Vietnam Ceasefire Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers None Decorations Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device 5 May-6 Oct 1972 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards 1 Mar Feb Mar Jun Jan Apr Jun May Jun May May May 2005 Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations 27 Jun Feb Feb Mar 1953 Bestowed Honors Authorized to display honors earned by the 49 th Operations Group prior to 18 Aug 1948 Service Streamers None Campaign Streamers World War II East Indies

5 Air Offensive, Japan China Defensive Papua, New Guinea Bismarck Archipelago Western Pacific Leyte Luzon China Offensive Decorations Distinguished Unit Citations Australia, 14 Mar-25 Aug 1942 Papua, [Oct] Jan 1943 Philippine Islands, 27 Oct-7 Dec 1944 Philippine Presidential Unit Citation EMBLEM A gyronny of three. Gules, Or, and Azure, a bolt of light ning, bend sinisterwise Argent, in chief, a knighf s helmet, winged of the last, in dexter chief, five stars (Southern Cross) Argent, two on Gules, and three on Azure, in sinister base a covered wagon, trees, and road scene, all proper. Approved for the 49th Group on December 29, 1951, and for the 49th Wing on July 2, Approved on 15 Jun 1994 EMBLEM SIGNIFICANCE Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The Light and Dark Blue colors signify the unit s day and night defense of freedom. The winged knight s helmet reflects the Wing s long and distinguished history of military engagements. The stars represent the constellation Southern Cross and denote the unit s World War II campaign credits in the South Pacific. The three colors of the emblem - red, blue and yellow -represent the trinity of the original squadrons of the 49th, the 7th, 8th and 9th squadrons. The stars of the emblem represent in part the Southern Cross and signify service in Australia by the predecessor of the 49th TFW, the 49th Fighter Group. The knights helmet is symbolic of the aggressive mission of the 49th, while in the lower right hand corner of the emblem' s shield the covered wagon symbolizes the pioneering spirit and adventure, hardiness and courage which are traditional qualities of units of the 49th The bolt of lightning represents; the powerful instantaneous striking power of the Wing. MOTTO Tutor Et Ultor --- I Protect and Avenge NICKNAME The Fighting 49ers

6 OPERATIONS Trained to maintain tactical proficiency while participating in the military occupation and air defense of Japan, 1948-Jun Remained in Japan until 1 Dec 1950, although components detached for combat operations in Korea. The wing's tactical mission was greatly reduced, but did include pilot training from late Jun to 1 Dec From 6 Sep to 1 Dec 1950, the wing had no tactical units except a detachment of the 41 Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, which provided strip alert. On 1 Dec the wing moved to South Korea and resumed operational control of its tactical components. Primarily interdicted enemy supplies, equipment and lines of communication, but also performed bombing of high value strategic targets, close air support of ground forces, and combat air patrol until 27 Jul Served as an administrative and support wing without tactical operations until Jul 1954, and then assumed an air defense mission with attached squadrons. On 15 Apr 1957 the detached 49 Fighter-Bomber Group became a paper unit, and the wing assumed the fighter-bomber mission the group had been performing, continuing it to 15 Sep 1957, when the wing prepared to move to France. Supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), participated in tactical exercises and operations in Europe, Dec 1957-Jun After moving to New Mexico in 1968, served as USAF's first "dual-based," NATO-committed wing, subject to immediate return to Europe if and when needed. The entire wing deployed back to Spangdahlem AB 15 Jan-4 Apr 1969 and 14 Sep-7 Oct 1970, receiving the Mackay Trophy for the 1969 deployment. At Holloman AFB, the wing continued participation in tactical exercises and firepower demonstrations to maintain combat readiness. Had base host responsibility 1 Jan Aug 1977 and 15 Nov In the autumn of 1971, the wing's four tactical squadrons deployed in Europe. On 4 May 1972, after North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam, the entire wing, except for a rear echelon that remained to run Holloman, deployed at Takhli RTAFB, Thailand. Conducted combat operations in Southeast Asia, 11 May-27 Sep 1972, to help blunt a strong North Vietnamese offensive. Flew combat sorties in South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and, 1 Jul-24 Sep 1972, during Operation Linebacker, the bombardment campaign in North Vietnam. Returned to Holloman AFB in early Oct 1972, and continued rotating tactical components to Europe to support NATO through Sep Also provided US Air Force fighter lead-in training, Feb 1974-Dec In Oct 1977, the wing ceased its "dual-base" commitment to NATO and changed to an air superiority mission, with training focusing on dissimilar air combat tactics for multi-theater operations. Won the 1988 William Tell air-to-air meet. Deployed aircraft and personnel to Southwest Asia to fly combat air patrol for coalition operations, 20 Jun-19 Dec After conversion to the F-117 in May 1992, served as the only stealth fighter wing in the world. Deployed fighters and their crews to Southwest Asia during the 1990s to support United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq, to enforce the no-fly zone over the southern part of that country, and for shows of force. Using helicopters, the wing also performed a search and rescue mission from May 1993 to Feb Provided early flight training for 2Lt Jeannie M. Flynn, who eventually became the first woman USAF combat fighter pilot. Trained Taiwan Air Force fighter pilots in AT-38 aircraft, , and German Air Force fighter pilots in F-4 aircraft, Since May 1996, served as the host wing for the German Air Force Flying Training Center, which trained German Air Force combat pilots, weapon system officers and instructor aircrews to fly the Tornado aircraft. In early 1999, wing elements deployed to Europe for air strikes against Serbia during Operation ALLIED FORCE. Early in 2003, stealth fighters and crews of the wing deployed to Southwest Asia and dropped the initial bombs of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, the US-led invasion of Iraq. Continued to support combat operations there until the complete overthrow of the regime of

7 Saddam Hussein. Replaced F-117 with new fifth generation fighter F-22 Raptors and began training pilots in the new aircraft in Began training officers as pilots and enlisted personnel as sensor operators for flight operations of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial systems in On August 19, 1948, the 49th Fighter Wing activated at Misawa Air Base, Japan. At Misawa, the 49th conducted training exercises with P-51 and F-80 aircraft as a part of the occupational forces in Japan. Redesignated the 49th Fighter- Bomber Wing on February 1, 1950, the 49th began operations in Korea in June The wing was among the first jet fighter units to operate in the Korean War. The unit participated in every major air campaign while supporting the United Nations' forces with air interdiction and close air support missions. One of the most decorated Air Force units in the Korean conflict, the 49th earned two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit citations and another eight battle honors. Such accomplishments earned the wing a niche in United States Air Force history. In 1957, the 49th completed 15 years of continuous service in Asia, moving from Misawa Air Base, Japan, to Etain-Rouvres Air Base, France. There, under the control of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), the 49th replaced the inactivated 388th Fighter-Bomber Wing. During its time in France, the wing converted from the F-86 to the F-100D. In August 1959, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing began a nine-year stay at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The 49th transitioned to the F-105D in 1961 and F-4D in On July 1, 1968, the 49th arrived at Holloman Air Force Base, becoming the first dual-based tactical fighter wing. Under the dual-basing concept, the 49th, stationed at Holloman, deployed individual squadrons periodically to Europe, fulfilling their NATO commitment. In 1969, the wing participated in it s first dual-basing exercise, Crested Cap I, deploying 2,000 personnel and 72 aircraft to NATO bases in Europe. Also in 1969, the 49th earned the coveted MacKay Trophy for the "most meritorious flight of the year," for the redeployment from Germany to Holloman after Crested Cap II. The MacKay Trophy recognized the 49th for the fastest non-stop deployment of jet aircraft accomplished by a wing s entire fleet. In May 1972, the 49th deployed their F-4 aircraft and 2,600 personnel to Takhli Air Base, Thailand. During this deployment, Operation Constant Guard, the 49th flew more than 21,000 combat hours over just about every battle zone from An Loc to vital installations in the Hanoi vicinity. During five months of combat, the wing did not lose any aircraft or personnel -- a testament to the outstanding training and proficiency of all members of the 49th. The unit officially closed out its Southwest Asia duty October 6, 1972, receiving an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device for its participation. On Dec. 20, 1977, the wing began converting from the F-4 to the F-15. The transition was completed June 4, In July 1980, the wing acquired the commitment of a primary Rapid Deployment Force unit.

8 This tasking, which lasted for a year, required the wing to be ready to deploy its aircraft, crews, and support personnel on short notice. The wing served with the Rapid Deployment Force until July 1981, when the tasking was transferred to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. In 1992, the 49th underwent a number of transitions. The last F-15 departed Holloman June 5, 1992, ending 14 years of Eagle operations. On May 9, 1992, four F-117 stealth fighters from Tonopah Test Range, Nevada, arrived at Holloman. Also, F-4s returned to Holloman, as part of the 9th Fighter Squadron, in May Sep 1948 F-80 aircraft joined the F-51s already in the wing. 25 Jun 1950 The outbreak of hostilities in Korea found the 49th entering action once again. The unit s first action was to fly cover missions for the evacuation of civilians from Kimpo and Suwon, Korea. 9 July th Fighter-Bomber Wing moved to Itazuke Air Base, Japan where it remained until 29 Sep Dec 1950 The 49th began the move to Taegu, Korea, where it operated until 1 April During this period the 49th, the first combat fighter outfit to operate on a combat basis from a base in Korea, conducted attacks against enemy forces along the 38th parallel. 1 Apr 1953 The Wing moved again to Kunsan AB, Korea. 7 Nov 1953 The Wing moved back to Japan, this time to Misawa Air Base. 10 Dec 1957 The 49th was transferred to the control of the United States Air Forces in Europe, joining the NATO team at Etain- Rouvres Air Base, France. 25 Aug 1959 The unit was on the move again, this time to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 30 Oct 1961 The 49th began conversion from the F-100s to F-105s. 9 Mar 1967 The Wing began its conversion program from the F-105s to the F-4D Phantom jet.

9 15 Jul 1968 More than 26 years of continuous overseas service came to an end as the Wing s F-4D aircraft landed at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, destined to be the only stateside home of the 49th. Jan 1969 The 49th participated in exercise CRESTED CAP I, deploying 2,000 personnel and 72 aircraft to NATO bases in Europe without incident. Apr 1969 Accomplished non-stop redeployment from Germany to Holloman AFB. For the deployment, the 49th received the MacKay Trophy for meritorious flying achievement. 1 Jan 1971 The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing became the major host organization of Holloman AFB, with the transfer of the base from control of the Air Force Systems Command to Tactical Air Command. 4 May 1972 The entire wing deployed to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand. 3 Feb-7Apr 1973 The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing participated in exercise CRESTED CAP IV to test dual-base capabilities to accomplish NATO commitments. For the first time in the history of the 49th, female personnel took part in a CRESTED CAP exercise. 16 Apr 1975 The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat V Device for action in Southeast Asia from May - October 1972, in honor of the wing s participation in CONSTANT GUARD. The 49th had deployed to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand. There was no loss of life in the wing during its wartime mission. 31 May 1975 Women s Air Force (WAF) Squadron Section at Holloman phased out. 1st Lt Helen A. Brainerd, Commander, became the Headquarters Squadron Executive Officer. 8 Sep 1977 The 49th TFW s first F-15, aircraft , was assigned. 2 Jun 1978 The last F-4D mission was flown. The 49th established another milestone in the F-15 conversion when the Eagle replaced the F-4D in the alert hanger, thereby assuming the wing s alert commitment to the North American Air Defense Command. The alert aircraft made the 49th the first TAC unit to employ the Eagle in the air defense role. 15 Nov 1991 The one base, one wing, one boss concept took effect at Holloman AFB when command responsibility passed from the 833d Air Division to the 49th Fighter Wing. The air division, commanded by Brig Gen Lloyd Newton, was inactivated.

10 8 May 1992 The first cadre of F-117A Stealth fighters began arriving at Holloman AFB from Tonopah Test Range, Nevada. 29 Jul 1994 Lockheed Support Systems Inc. was awarded an Air Force contract and replaced DynaCorp in the maintenance of the F-4E, T-38A, and AT-38B. 1 May 1996 Holloman AFB was the site for the German Air Force Tactical Training Center activation ceremony. Many distinguished visitors participated in the ceremony, to include Dr. William Perry, US Secretary of Defense and Mr. Volker Ruhe, German Minister of Defense. 12 Sep 1996 The 49 FW deployed eight F-117s and 300 support personnel to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operation Desert Strike. 19 Nov 1997 The 49 FW deployed six F-117s and 220 support personnel to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operation Southern Watch. 17 Feb 1998 While tensions increased in Iraq, the 49th Fighter Wing augmented its in place forces with six additional F-117As and associate maintenance and support personnel. On 16 January 1972 the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing observed its 31st birthday, marking more than three decades of outstanding service as a combat arm of our country's air power. Since its activation on 16 January 1941 as the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) at Selfridge Field, Mich, the 49th has had a distinguished career almost without parallel throughout the United States Air Force. The Group when activated was assigned the 7th, 8th and 9th Pursuit Squadrons. These units remained a part of the 49th during WWII and the Korean Conflict and now make up three of four squadrons that comprise the 49th TFW. The fourth squadron, the 417th Tactical Fighter Squadron, joined the Wing officially on 15 November The dedication to duty, courage and skill of pilots and ground personnel of the 49th is attested to by its colorful WWII record which lists 678 enemy aircraft downed by planes of the 7th, 8th and 9th Squadrons. 43 pilots of the Group attained status as "Aces" shooting down five or more

11 aircraft. Some of the war's most outstanding "Aces" such as Major Richard I. Bong, who downed 40 Japanese enemy aircraft and received, the Medal of Honor, Lt Colonel Boyd (Buzz) Wagner, the first World War II "Ace" and Lt Col Gerald R. Johnson who shot down 22 planes were members of the 49th at one time or another. The start of the Korean Conflict found the 49th which had been designated the 49th Fighter Wing on 18 August 1948 and redesignated again on 1 February 1950 as the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing, back in combat again this time as the first fighter-jet unit to operate from Korea. Twenty streamers denoting Battle Honors have been earned by the 49th as well as ten citations that include, Presidential Unit Citations, The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation and the USAF Outstanding Unit Award. Such accomplishments have placed the 49th in a distinctive niche in the United States Air Force history. The 49th began to earn its niche in the USAF historical records just four days short of its first year of activation when it had the distinction of being one of the first operational units of the Army Air Corps to be sent from the United States to take up a combat role in the Southwest Pacific. The Group departed Morrison Field, Florida where it had undergone much of its training on 5 January 1941 and arrived at the San Francisco Port of Embarkation on 8 January. Four days later on 12 January personnel of the 49th went aboard the SS Mariposa and headed for the sunny shores of Australia arriving there (Melbourne) on 2 February. Although the pilots of the 49th trained in P-35s while in the United States, the squadrons received P-40s shortly after their arrival in Australia, aircraft that were assembled in depots in that country. In mid-march, after a month of extensive training in the P-40s, 25 pilots and planes were sent from the Group' s base at Bankstown, New South Wales, to Melbourne where they flew constant air patrols over the area in order to intercept enemy air raid attempts on that city made to disrupt shipping facilities of the allies. About that same time a flight from the 7th Squadron was moved to Horn Island, off the northern tip of Cape York. On 14 March, when the Japanese made a bombing raid over the Island, the flight participated in its first air engagement. Five of the enemy planes were downed: and no losses were sustained by the pilots of the 7 th Squadron. In that air battle, Lieutenant A. T. House, Jr. exhibited the skill, daring, and courage which charactered the pilots of the 49th Group. After shooting down his first enemy plane, Lieutenant House began to fire on a second. His guns jammed, but the Lieutenant, undaunted, maneuvered his P-40 over the Zero and suddenly dipped his plane's right wing tip into the Zeros cockpit. The enemy fighter, almost ripped in two, plummeted to the earth. With two feet of his planes wing tip torn away, Lieutenant House had difficulty in keeping his P-40 from rolling, but, in an excellent display of flying skill, managed to bring his plane home safely. Late in March 1942 the flight of the 7th Squadron left Horn Island and rejoined the Group at Bankstown. Meanwhile, the 9th Squadron, which had been stationed at Williamstown, moved up to Darwin, Australia. A regular target for enemy bombers, Darwin was in dire need of

12 fighter protection. About the same time the 49th Group was strengthened by the addition of 13 pilots who had fought in the Philippines and whose experience was invaluable. Practically all of the men were "Aces", the most famous one being Captain Boyd "Buzz" Wagner, who had become America' s first "Ace" in World War II, having downed his fifth enemy plane on 18 December Captain Wagner later commanded his own fighter group in the Southwest Pacific. By April the 9th Squadron was seeing plenty of action in the skies over Darwin. On 4 Apr, for example, fourteen P-40s of that unit shot down nine of 13 attacking enemy planes. Japanese raids increased to such an extent, however, that it was necessary to move the entire Group to the Darwin area later in April. That was the first time the unit had operated together since arriving in Australia. Another highlight occurred on 25 April, when the 49th intercepted 24 planes over the city. After that attack, the largest enemy effort since February 1942, the skies over Darwin were comparatively quiet; the enemy apparently did not want to risk further setbacks at the hands of the 49th Fighter Group. About the middle of June the Japanese again began their regular air strikes on Darwin, and from June to August the Group flew mission after mission to protect the city. The results of the Group' s efforts are extraordinary considering that the pilots often were outnumbered in aerial combat and the enemy Zero was considered superior to the P-40. During the period 7 April -23 August the "49' ers shot down 64 enemy planes in the Darwin area, while losing only 16 P-40' s. Credit probably should be given to the Group for twice that number of Japanese planes, because, as a result of mechanical failures, lack of fuel, and damage sustained in combat, many of the enemy aircraft undoubtedly were lost during the 500-mile overwater flight back to their base. Much of the 49th Fighter Group' s success during that period must be attributed to the ground crews, whose skillful maintenance of the P-401 s kept mechanical failures at a minimum. During those early months in Australia the pilots also learned much in the way of combat tactics, and in later engagements were able to put their knowledge to work, insuring success after success in aerial battles. By August 1942 the unit had won undisputed daylight air superiority over the northern territory of Australia; moreover, its action was instrumental in preventing an invasion of that continent. In September the Group turned over its responsibilities for the defense of the Darwin area to the RAF and began preparations for the move to New Guinea, where it was to support our forces in the defense of the Port Moresby area. The 7th Fighter Squadron moved up to New Guinea in mid-september 1942, and on 19 September flew its first mission from Port Moresby. Before that unit was joined by the rest of the Group, it flew strafing and dive-bombing missions against various targets in New Guinea. The squadron was successful in knocking out the Wairopi bridge, which helped to stall the Japanese drive toward Port Moresby, the last allied stronghold in New Guinea. Group Headquarters and the 8th Fighter Bomber Squadron were transported to New Guinea aboard the US Army Transport Seawitch, which arrived at Port Moresby on 9 October; the 9th Squadron followed on 31 October. While the 49th Group was stationed at Port Moresby, its squadrons operated from

13 various fields in the immediate vicinity of the city The primary mission of the Group at that time was to provide air defense for Port Moresby and the surrounding area; however, the unit also flew escort for bombers, and dive-bombed and strafed enemy supply lines, troops, and installations in support of Australian and American ground troops. The unit completed one of its most outstanding missions on 6 January On that day the enemy attempted to run a convoy, consisting of four transports and six escort vessels, into Lae, New Guinea. Once the ships came into range, the Group directed 72 sorties against the convoy. Lieutenants A. T. House, Jr. and Claude S. Burtnette claimed one of the transports destroyed. In that same engagement the "49ers' shot down 15 enemy planes. Three of those aircraft were destroyed by Lieutenant (later Major) Richard I. Bong, bringing his total to five aerial victories and making him an "Ace". In March 1943 the unit played an important part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. A dozen or more (possibly 15) enemy planes were downed in that engagement. After moving to the advance base at Dobodura, New Guinea, in April 1943, the unit' s primary function was to maintain control of the sea approaches to the Huon Gulf; its secondary task was to provide ground support. In November 1943 the 49 th moved to Gusap, New Guinea, where it remained until May 1944, flying support missions for the ground forces driving across New Guinea. One highlight occurred during that period.»on 23 January 34 of the unit' s P-40' s engaged 65 enemy planes over Wewak, destroying 13 of the Japanese aircraft with four others listed as probably destroyed. The 49th lost only two of its p-40' s during the aerial battle. On the Move On 19 April, 1944 the ground echelon moved to Finschafen and then to Hollandia, where it arrived in May. The air echelon began operations from the latter base in May after completing the move from Gusap. After a short stay at Hollandia, the ground echelon was transported aboard LST' s to the island of Biak, which had just been invaded by our forces. When the men landed on the beach, on 5 June they found that Mokmer airdrome, their destination, was still in enemy hands. As a result, the men had to camp on the beach, where they were subjected to frequent bombing and strafing attacks by enemy aircraft. Infiltration by Japanese ground forces also was a constant danger, and the men had to be prepared to fight on the ground at a moment' s notice. By 20 June Mokmer airdrome had been taken and the men were able to make permanent camp three miles from the field. Meanwhile, the air echelon, still operating from Hollandia, flew dive-bombing and strafing attacks over Noemfoor Island and the ground support missions. On 22 June the first section of the air echelon flew from Hollandia to Biak; by the end of the month the move had been completed. During operations from Biak, the main targets were located in New Guinea, Noemfoor, and Biak itself. In September most of the Group' s missions were carried out by the 9th Fighter Squadron because the other squadrons were making the transition to P-38 aircraft. The 9th Squadron, which already had changed to P-38s, raided various targets in Halmahera Islands and on 2 September completed an outstanding mission to Davao, Mindanao in the Philippines. The 690 miles flight to the target was the longest mission attempted by the unit1 s P-38s up until that time The ground echelon boarded LSTs on 14 October and sailed from Biak to Leyte. After an uneventful voyage of nine days, the convoy was greeted by an enemy air attack on the morning of the tenth day. After the raid was over the men landed on the beach and proceeded to the airstrip at Tacloban, Leyte They found the airfield unserviceable, however, and every air force

14 unit on the island provided men to lay steel matting. Fly Longest Escort Mission Meanwhile, the air echelon at Biak was continuing its attacks against enemy targets in the Halmaheras, The 8th Squadron, having completed its conversion to P-381 s, flew its first mission in those planes on 9 October, when it bombed the Kairotoe airstrip on Ceram Island. The following day, 10 October, the 9th Squadron, staging through Morotai, flew fighter cover for bombers striking Balikapapan, Borneo, the important enemy oil center. The roundtrip flight of 1, 600 miles was the longest escort mission flown in the Southwest Pacific up until that time. On 27 October the air echelons of the 7th and 9th Squadrons flew from Biak to Tacloban, Leyte Their aircraft were the first American land-based fighter planes in the Philippines since early in 1942, Amidst resounding cheers from the townspeople, Lieutenant Colonel George A, Walker, the Group' s Commanding Officer, was welcomed by General Macarthur and General Kenney. After refueling, the 9th Fighter Squadron went up on patrol, and, to celebrate their arrival, the pilots shot down six enemy aircraft that afternoon One of the 49ths most memorable events occurred on 29 October, when Lieutenant Milden E. Mathre shot down for the Group its 500th enemy plane The following statement was made by General Macarthur, when he announced the unit1 s 500th aerial victory: The 49th in air battles in the Southwest Pacific has set a record for the destruction of enemy planes which I believe is unsurpassed by any group of fighters in the war. Before coming to the Philippines as our first land-based air unit, they were crowding the 500 mark. In seven days in the Philippines, they have well passed 500 and are now shooting for the 600th. They are unsurpassed in the air, November Score: 84 Enemy Planes Although the Field at Tacloban was under attack by the enemy both day and night, the 49th Fighter Group was still able to carry out its assigned missions. Because of the enemy air activity over Leyte, the unit had plenty of targets at which to shoot. Eighty-four Japanese aircraft were shot down during November, and "Aces" were made every day. When not intercepting enemy aircraft over Tacloban, the Group flew most of its offensive missions over Ormoc Bay, directing its attacks against enemy shipping which was attempting to bring reinforcements to the Japanese garrisons on the island. After returning from one such mission on 3 November, the 9th Squadron spotted a long enemy truck convey on the road between Ormoc and Valencia. The convoy, unable to leave the road because of the swamps on either side, was a perfect target for the diving P' 38' s. In that mission it was estimated that trucks were destroyed and horses were killed, and tremendous casualties were inflected on enemy personnel; according to Philippine guerilla forces, the number of Japanese killed or wounded in that attack amounted to 2,400. The month of December 1944 saw 49th Fighter Group do its bit in the last phases of the Leyte campaign and extend its range of operations to Luzon, where it covered the landings and discouraged interception of our B-24' s as they hammered away at Manila and its surrounding airfields. The ground echelon moved to Manila and its surrounding airfields. The ground echelon moved to Mindoro Island on 27 December and was joined by the air echelon during the period 4-6 January 1945.

15 From Mindoro the P-381 s of the 49th were used in fighter sweep, search, dive-bombing, and escort missions to Luzon. During the month of January the pilots dropped napalm bombs for the first time, and from then until the end of the war the 49th flew many napalm attacks, achieving excellent results. By February 1945 enemy air opposition was practically non-existent, and, as a result, the unit flew mostly dive-bombing missions in support of ground forces, an operation which continued to the close of the war. In March 1945 the Group flew close ground support missions in Luzon and raided enemy airdromes on Formosa and Hainan Islands. Dive-bombing missions to Formosa, as well as fighter sweeps along the China coast, continued through April. During May the unit attacked enemy transportation, bridges, gun emplacements, and towns in support of troops on Luzon. Napalm was used with much success, especially in routing the Japanese from the Ipo Dam area, where our ground forces had been held up in their advance. Fly - F-51 - P-80 Aircraft From 1946 to 1950 efforts of the 49th were concentrated upon the training of its personnel. As part of the occupational force for Japan, the unit shared responsibility for the air defense of the Japanese Islands and accumulated a large amount of flying time in F-51 and F-80 aircraft while working to attain a high degree of combat readiness throughout the Group. In addition to routine activities, the organization participated in aerial reviews, fly-overs, and various maneuvers, When hostilities in Korea began on 25 June 1950, the 49th redesignated, a fighter-bomber organization on 1 February 1950, was prepared to enter into the police action in defense of South Korea. The units first task was to cover the evacuation of civilian personnel from Kimpo and Suwon. When that mission had been completed, the Group began flying ground support missions in order to hold back the advancing North Korean armies. By early August 1950 United Nations Forces had been squeezed into a small perimeter in the southeast corner of Korea, In support of those ground troops, the 49th flew mission after mission against the enemy forces which were trying to seize Pusan and Taegu, the last United Nations' strongholds in Korea. After the enemy had been pushed back, the Group moved up to Taegu and became the first combat fighter outfit to operate actively from bases in South Korea. By 1951 the 49th Group was engaged primarily in interdiction operations against the Communist forces. The roads and railroads in the area between Pyongyang and Sinuiju, which comprised the main channel of transportation for the western coast of North Korea, were continual targets for the Group. Rail interdiction and close support missions for ground forces comprised the two main operations of the 49th until hostilities in Korea were halted. On 1 April 1953 the Group moved tokunsan Airdrome, Korea. Seven months later the organization returned to Japan and was stationed at Komaki Air Base. In September 1954 it moved to Nagoya Air Base, and in November 1956 the 49th moved again, this time to Misawa Air Base in Japan. A new era in the history of the 49th began 10 December On that date the Wing transferred, in name only, to Europe and the control of United States Air Force in Europe The Wing joined the NATO team at Etain-Rouvres Air Base, France. There it replaced the 388th Fighter Bomber Wing, which was inactivated. During the 49thf s 20-month stay in France, it completed conversion from the North American

16 F-86F Sabre to the North American F-100D Super Sabre. The Wing also received two United States Air Force Flying Safety Awards during its stay at Etain. In August 1959 the much-traveled 49th set out to the east, but stopped just across the French border in the Federal Republic of Germany. There, at Spangdahlem Air Base, the Wing was to settle down for nine years an uncharacteristically long stay for this perpetually mobile unit. The Spangdahlem years were a time of intensive training for the 49th. As a part of the firstline defense forces for Western Europe, the Wing remained prepared to enter combat at an instant1 s notice. Forty-niners felt particularly the gravity of their mission during such periods of tension as the Berlin Crisis of 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis of The 49th received two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards while at Spangdahlem. The first, covering the period March 1964 through February 1966 was for outstanding flying safety and overall excellence in mission-accomplishment. The second, covering the period March 1966 through June 1967, was awarded primarily for the Wing' s outstanding performance in converting from the F-105 to the F-4D weapons system. The Wing received Republic F-105D Thunderchief aircraft to replace its F-lOOs in Conversion to the F-4D Phantom II was completed in mid Nine fruitful years at Spangdahlem came to a close on 15 July 1968 when the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing returned to the United States. When the first cell of F-4s landed at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, 26-I/ 2 years of consecutive overseas service for the 49th ended. The fighting 49ers had done much to shape world history in those years since the day they departed San Francisco for the Pacific in January Although returned to the United States, the 49th had in no way surrendered its heritage as a front-line fighter unit. Even while training in New Mexico, the 49th remain ever operationally committed to the NATO alliance under a dual-base operational concept. The Wing maintained a mobility capability that would enable it to deploy to Europe at a moment1 s notice in response to tensions or hostilities there. The first test of the 49th' s capability to fulfill its NATO commitment from the American Southwest came in January 1969 with the exercise CRESTED CAP I. Only five months after its arrival at Holloman, the virtually reconstituted Wing was tasked to deploy 2, 000 men and 72 F- 4D aircraft to Germany to participate in NATO war games. The deployment to Germany was smoothly executed, and in late January 1969 the Wing began to fly the more than 250 close air Sorties it provided in support of the NATO war games codenamed CARBIDE ICE. These exercises, witnessed by the entire NATO high command, were the largest NATO exercises in several years. They were particularly significant in that they were held in the wake of Soviet actions in Czechoslovakia in August The 49th provided more than two-thirds of the close air sorties for these significant maneuvers. Following CARBIDE ICE the 49th continued its European environmental training by launching cells of aircraft to NATO nations across Europe, These deployments gave Wing aircrews and

17 support personnel the chance to become intimately familiar with flying conditions and operational procedures in NATO nations from the United Kingdom to Turkey. The intra-theater deployments, like the Wings earlier NATO missions, were launched into a winter that was severe even by Europe' s bleak standards. The Wing' s tight flying schedule was maintained only through the outstanding efforts of maintenance and snow-removal crews who waged a successful battle against the elements. In April the 49th accomplished a remarkable non-stop redeployment from Germany to New Mexico. The Wing's near flawless execution of its CRESTED CAP I mission demonstrated that in 1969, as in previous years in the Pacific and in Korea, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing was prepared to do more than its share to protect the liberties of the free world. Between 1 and 4 April 1969 the Wing's entire fleet of 72 aircraft was deployed without a single airborne abort. Each aircraft completed seven air-to-air refueling for a total of 504 successful refueling. Average flying time for the 5,000-mile journey was hours. Nearly half of the aircraft were operationally ready upon landing at Holloman, and the entire fleet was operationally ready seven hours after the last aircraft landed. This redeployment was subsequently selected by the Air Force Chief of Staff to receive the MacKay Trophy for 1969, a Trophy awarded annually for the most meritorious flight of the year by an Air Force individual or unit. Similar exercises, Crested Cap II and Crested Cap III held in 1970 and 1971 again gave the "Forty Niners" an opportunity to demonstrate their capability to operate as a Dual-Base Wing and on both occasions the Wing successfully accomplished its mission. Holloman Unit Drops Fighter From Name: The 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, N.M., on June 25 became the 49th Wing during a redesignation ceremony at the desert base. "Because this wing now supports multiple missions, today we will officially change your designation from a fighter wing to a wing one with a wide-range of important and global missions," said Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears head of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), who presided over the ceremony. In addition to operating F-22s, the base is now home to a remotely piloted aircraft schoolhouse, and more than 20 associate units performing in engineering, medical, test, and other training roles. At some point, Holloman might host F-35 strike fighters for training. Also on June 25, there was a change-of-command ceremony for the wing th Tactical Fighter Wing Spangdahlem AB, WGER 7 TFS Blue Bunyaps 8 TFS Yellow Black Sheep 9 TFS Red Iron Knights 49th Tactical Fighter Wing (USAFE)

18 On 10 December 1957 the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing was activated at Etain-Rouvres Air Base, France, taking over the aircraft of the former 388th TFW and retaining the former unit's markings. The 7th TFS carried a Light Blue band of the fin with a White lightning bolt, the 8th TFS had a Yellow band with a Black bolt and the 9th had a Red band and a White bolt. Other markings consisted of a scalloped band around the nose and, in some cases, wing/ squadron insignia were carried just below the windscreen. In 1959 the 49th Wing moved to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. By 1960 the markings changed and the unit now adopted a triple colored nose and tail design, which was applied to all of its aircraft. These markings consisted of broad tail bands of Red, Yellow and Blue (top to bottom) with a White lightning bolt superimposed and nose scallops of Blue, Yellow and Red (front to rear). The F-100 served with the Wing until Known Aircraft: 7th TFS: , and th TFS: , and (F-100F) 49th Fighter Wing ('HO'), Holloman AFB, New Mexico The 49th Fighter Wing took over the F-117 squadrons and the equipment and personnel of the dismantled 37th Fighter Wing when the move from Tonopah to Holloman AFB, New Mexico, was made on 5 July Three days later, command of the 49th FW passed to Brigadier General Lloyd W. ('Fig') Newton. The USAF simply could not dispense with the identity of the 49th FW, which had a proud history dating to 15 January 1941 when the 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) trained in Seversky P-35s before moving to New Guinea. Among its 43 air aces were Lieutenant Colonel Boyd D. 'Buzz' Wagner, the first American ace in the Pacific theatre, and Major Richard I. Bong, who racked up 40 aerial victories. The 49th fought in Korea with F-80s and F-84s, flew F-4 Phantoms during the Cold War, and operated F-15 Eagles immediately prior to the change. When it received its F-117s, the 49th FW took on the three flying squadrons, namely the 415th Fighter Squadron 'Nighthawks' (formerly 'Nightstalkers'), which was redesignated as 9th Fighter Squadron on 30 July 1993; the 416th Fighter Squadron'Knight Riders' (formerly 'Ghostriders'), redesignated 8th Fighter Squadron on 30 July 1993; and the 417th Fighter Squadron 'Bandits', redesignated 7th Fighter Squadron in December The last-named squadron change had to await the transfer of the wing's IFF (introduction to fighter fundamentals) training, performed in the AT-38B Talon, to Air Education and Training Command. The move to Holloman brought the 'Cockroach', or 'Black Jet', out into the open, both literally and figuratively. While many aspects of F-117 operations remained classified, the warplane was no longer part of a 'black' programme; in contrast to the plush indoor facilities to which the F-117 community had become accustomed, much of the work at Holloman, today, is performed out of doors.

19 In addition to its three F-117 squadrons, the 49th FW operates the 20th Fighter Squadron which trains Luftwaffe pilots in German-owned F-4E Phantoms (and which was briefly designated 9th FS from May 1992, until that designation went to an F-117 unit on 30 July 1993), the 48th Rescue Squadron with five HH-60G helicopters, and the 435th Fighter Squadron which trains Taiwanese pilots in the AT-38B Talon (to prepare them for the F-16 Fighting Falcon). In June 1993, Brigadier Genera Newton turned over command of the 49th FW to Brigadier General John F. Miller, Jr, who, as a lieutenant colonel, had commanded the old 4450th TS, the origina 'Nightstalkers', and who also commanded the 8th TFW ('Wolf Pack') in Korea with F-16 Fighting Falcons. 7th Fighter Squadron 'Bunyaps' The 7th Fighter Squadron 'Bunyaps' took over the F-117 operations of the former 417th FS 'Bandits' in December The 'Bunyaps' get their nickname from a mythical fanged creature in the lore of Australian Aborigines and owes their origins to the 7th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) formed on 20 November 1940 wkh Seversky P-35s. Curiously, the devil-like creature in the 'Bunyaps" emblem (approved in 1944) has survived the USA ban on satanic images even though the 'Nightstalkers' and 'Ghostriders' of the recent past did not. The squadron's history includes comb in New Guinea and the Philippines in P-4 P-47s and P- 38s; in Korea in F-80s and F-84s; and Cold War flying in the F-100, F-105, F-4 and F-15. Just before becoming an F-117 operator, the squadron performed IFF (introduction to fighter fundamentals) training for future F-15 Eagle pilots using the AT-38B Talon. The time consumed in winding down and transferring this function meant that the 8th and 9th FS became F-117 operators fully nine months before the 7th FS did. The 7th FS is now the RTU (replacement training unit) for the F-117 type. 8th Fighter Squadron 'Black Sheep' The 8th Fighter Squadron 'Black Sheep' took over the F-117 operations of the former 416th FS ('Knight Riders', previously 'Ghostriders'l on 30 July The squadron emblem is a silhouette of a black sheep inside a golden yellow circle bordered in black. The squadron began as the 8 th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 20 November 1940 with Seversky P-35s. The squadron's history includes combat in New Guinea and the Philippines in P-40s, P-47s and P-38s; in Korea in F-80s and F-84s; and Cold War operations with the F-100, F-105, F-4 and F-15. The 8th FS retains the Pacific contingency for the F-117 force and would be the first squadron deployed to Korea in event of a crisis there. 9th Fighter Squadron 'Iron Knights' The 9th Fighter Squadron 'Iron Knights' took over the F-117 operations of the former 415th Fighter Squadron 'Nighthawks' (formerly Nightstalkers) 30 July The squadron emblem is a white, winged knight's helmet on a blue disk bordered in black. The squadron began as the 9th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 20 November 1940 with Seversky P-35s. The squadron's history includes combat in New Guinea and the Philippines in P-40s, P-47s and P-

20 38s; in Korea in F-80s and F-84s; and Cold War operations with the F-100, F-105, F-4 and F-15. The 9th FS retains the Atlantic contingency for the F-117 force and would be the first squadron deployed to Europe in event of a crisis there. 49th Tactical Fighter Wing The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing moved from Pacific operations to France to operate the F-100 Super Sabre. The wing moved to Spangdahlem AB, Germany, in 1959, converting from the F- 105 to the F-4 in March 1967, and was reassigned to Holloman AFB, New Mexico, in July 1968 as part of the 'dual-based' concept. The 49th TFW remained NATO-committed, and its components returned to Germany during Reforger rapid deployment exercises. In mid-1968 the 49th TFW assigned F-4D-applied tailcodes in the 'H' range to the 7th TFS ('HB', blue), 8th TFS HC, yellow) and 9th TFS ('HD', red). The 417th TFS was added with further F-4Ds in late The 417th TFS started using the 'HA' tailcode before switching to 'HE' by the year's end. The wing adopted the 'HO' tailcode in The 49th TFW deployed from Holloman AFB, New Mexico, to Takhli RTAFB on 13 May 1972, bolstering air power in Southeast Asia. The 49th TFW deployed until 27 October The 417th inactivated within the 49th TFW on 31 March The wing started re-equipping with the F-15. The 49th FBW provided air defense of Japan until December 1, 1950, when it moved without personnel or equipment to Taegu AB, South Korea, replacing the 6149th Tactical Support Wing. The wing's non-tactical units returned to Japan for a month in January-February 1951, except for a wing detachment that stayed to refuel and rearm aircraft staging through Taegu a vital mission maintained for most of the war. The 49th FBW was attached to the 58th FBW, March 16-31, On April 1, in a designation switch, the 49th moved without personnel or equipment to Kunsan AB, where it absorbed the resources of the 474th FBW and continued combat operations to July 27.

21 49 TFW 49 FBW